Catherine King MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Karen Grogan
Senator for South Australia
Susan Close MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Environment and Water
Zoe Bettison MP
Minister for Tourism
Geoff Brock MP
Minister for Local Government
Member for Stuart
From Sunday, mountain bike riders will be able to test their endurance in one of South Australia’s most picturesque national parks with the opening of the state’s newest mountain bike trail.
The 38-kilometre Epic Mountain Bike Trail, near Melrose in the Mid North, will be open to the public for the first time this weekend.
The trail winds through Mount Remarkable National Park and private land adjacent to the park, traversing the western flank of Mount Remarkable.
Riders are treated to spectacular views of Black Range as they travel the western side of the trail, before being looped back toward Melrose beneath the Gibraltar Rock formations.
The trail includes a total of 1,500 metres of climbing elevation and a near continuous six-kilometre descent, which links the new $1.8 million trail to the ground level of the nearby Willowie Forest mountain bike trails.
The Epic trail was designed by South Australian company TrailScapes, which is a construction specialist delivering high-quality trails with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
The detailed alignment of the trail was designed in close consultation with the Nukunu Wapma Thura Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the trail does not disturb any sites of cultural significance and to ensure cultural respect.
The Epic Mountain Bike Trail was a major component of the $10 million Remarkable Southern Flinders agreement, which is funded by the South Australian and Australian governments and supported by the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
The Australian Government is contributing $5 million to this agreement.
The agreement also includes 20 kilometres of new trails in Mount Remarkable National Park at Willowie, an upgrade of the Mambray Creek campground and day visitor area, and new and improved day visitor facilities at nearby Wirrabara.
Other partners in the agreement include Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North, District Council of Mount Remarkable, Port Pirie Regional Council, Northern Areas Council and the Nukunu Wapma Thura Aboriginal Corporation.
Quotes
Attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King
“The Australian Government is proud to be contributing funding to this mountain bike trail, which provides a great recreational activity in a beautiful setting.
“This world-class mountain bike trail, suitable for international standard competitors, will highlight local Aboriginal culture while encouraging tourism to this region.”
Attributable to Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan
“This is an international standard mountain biking experience that showcases the magnificent Southern Flinders Ranges and the Mid North.
“Combined with 20-kilometers of new trails at Willowie, the upgrade of Mambray Creek campground and improved day visitor facilities at Wirrabara, this region is a must-see destination for locals and visitors alike.”
Attributable to South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close
“The Epic Mountain Bike Trail is a wonderful example of how we can provide unique experiences in the stunning surrounds of a national park.
“The new trail complements several other mountain bike trails located in parks across the state – including in Sturt Gorge and Cobbler Creek recreation parks – and will be a great addition to Melrose and the wider Flinders Ranges.
“In consultation with the Nukunu Wapma Thura Aboriginal Corporation, TrailScapes have done a great job to incorporate the unique cultural heritage and biodiversity of the region into the design.”
Attributable to South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison
“The Remarkable Southern Flinders project enables local businesses to leverage nature-based tourism opportunities in the region, including in Aboriginal cultural tourism.
“The Epic Mountain Bike Trail provides South Australia with yet another destination that will help attract more visitors to the regions which is good for jobs and for local regional economies.”
Attributable to South Australian Minister for Local Government and Member for Stuart Geoff Brock
“This is another investment in the Mid North adds real value to the regions tourism sector and broader economy and will be welcomed by the local business community.
I’d strongly encourage mountain biking enthusiasts to head to the trail and test their mettle on this great new track.”
Attributable to Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife CEO Ian Darbyshire
“The Epic Mountain Bike Trail is a demonstration and great example of different interest groups successfully collaborating to achieve a positive outcome including government, Traditional Owners, and Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife.
“Together, we safeguard native endangered species for the well-being of our natural ecosystem and positive biodiversity outcomes.
“This joint effort ensures a legacy for future generations to come.”
